Back in August 2020 on a Saturday afternoon, Leeroy Todd (local photographer and film maker) and I were standing on the banks of Gympie’s mighty Mary River, at The Dawn. We were there with one of Australia’s most respected Indigenous filmmakers, John Harvey, who is most recognised for his work as producer on multiple productions including, the internationally awarded film SPEAR, the ABC television series THE WARRIORS, and more recently HEART IS A WASTELAND (starring Aaron Pedersen). We had been shooting earlier from sunup at Caloundra, and now we were proudly scoping one of the most stunning riverbanks for the next day’s shooting (attempting to discern when the lighting would be perfect off the adjacent bank).
Many months earlier I had been contacted by Lydia Fairhall to create wardrobe design for her upcoming film clip ‘SIGN OF THE TIMES’. ‘SIGN OF THE TIMES’ is the second single taken from ‘Lydia Fairhall and The She Oaks’ forthcoming debut album, True North, set for release in November.
Lydia has over twenty years of experience across remote and urban communities. Her work history includes Producer for QPAC, Head of Programming for Footscray Community Arts Centre and Artistic Director for Australia’s loveliest film festival, The Heart of Gold International Short Film Festival (which is based right here in our beloved Gympie Region) …. and so many more roles that leave me completely in awe as a creative collaborator.
Originally, I was engaged as wardrobe designer, but as the team was assembled, I passionately embraced additional roles including set design and am very proud with being credited as Production Designer. I even managed to enlist the incredible team of florists at Karinya on Mary Street, to source a van load of native flowers and greenery. The amazing team at Karinya lovingly crafted the arrangements into the most exquisite giant bouquets all featured throughout the film clip.
Leeroy and I have worked at so many of the same events over many years here including the Muster, RUSH festival, Mary Street festivities, and most recently the Live and Local series at the Gympie Civic Centre. Leeroy is an absolute professional behind the lens or drone, and for years we’ve all proudly watched his work, capturing the best angles and images of our amazing corner of the world.
This project was a big deal for us both, working in the team directed by the great John Harvey, for the amazing Lydia Fairhall. I can honestly say (after talking with Leroy and from my perspective) that we both learnt so much each day, working from early morning to sunset. The real hero and star of the production, however, is without a doubt, Lydia’s Uncle Ray …. Watch the film clip and you’ll understand.
#creativesunite and GO FORTH AND COLLABORATE
Cindy Vogels Article initially published in Gympie Living Magazine.
https://gympieliving.com.au